Standing for Office

There are 269 Parish Councillors representing 42 wards, within the Borough of Telford and Wrekin. There are 26 parish/town councils.

Below is a brief guide to becoming a Parish Councillor and what this entails. Read the following information to decide if you would like to stand for public office.

Legal Requirements

To stand for election you must fulfill the following criteria on the day of nomination:

• You are 18 years of age or over; and
• You are a United Kingdom, European Union or Commonwealth Citizen; and
• You are registered to vote in the locality; or
• You have lived or worked in the area for one year.
  
  

You may not stand for election if:

• You work for the Parish Council; or
• You are bankrupt; or
• You have served a prison sentence (including suspended sentences) of three months or more within the last five years; or
• You have been disqualified under legislation relating to illegal or corrupt practices.
  
  

What is a Parish Council?

Parish Councils represent the concerns and needs of the local community and can provide a range of services effectively.

Parish Councils have powers and functions conferred by Statute. The range of powers are many and varied and continue to change.

They include:

• The purchase of land and buildings.
• Providing and maintaining green spaces.
• The provision of recreational facilities
• Crime prevention measures and traffic calming.

In future these responsibilities will be far greater.

The exercise of these powers to bring positive benefits to the community is the decision of Councillors. The basic responsibility is to make the lives of the local community more comfortable by:

• Representing the whole electorate.
• Delivering or coordinating services to meet local needs.
• Striving to improve the quality of life in the parish.

Role of a Parish Councillor

• To represent the ward and the views of its residents.
• To work in areas of Community Leadership and Neighbourhood.
• To plan, develop and monitor Parish/Town Council business.
• To always work in the public interest.
  
  

Questions and Answers

Why become a Councillor?

As a Councillor you will become the voice of your community and represent local views and interests. Collectively, Parish Councillors are responsible for decisions affecting a range of services with an annual expenditure of over £300,000.

If you fulfill the requirements and would like to get involved and represent local people, read on. You can help shape the future of Madeley.

What is the Electoral Process?

The process begins in March when a 'Notice of Election' is published. This gives details of the nomination timetable and who to contact if you would like to stand for election.

At the end of the nomination period the Council will publish the names, addresses and descriptions of the candidates. Just Before the election 'A Notice of Poll' will be published. This contains details of the date of election, details of the candidates and where to vote around the town.

How long would my term of office be?

All Councillors elected in May will serve a four year term until May 2011. However, if you are elected at a by-election you will serve until the next scheduled election.

How much time will I have to commit?

It will be for you to decide the level of commitment you are willing to give as a Councillor.

This will also depend upon your role within the Council and the number of commitments you take on. The amount of time required for Council business will increase accordingly.

When do Council meetings take place?

There are 26 Council and Committee meetings held during the year including the annual meeting in May after the Elections. All meetings are scheduled to take place on Mondays in the evening. The average length of a meeting is 2 and a half hours.

Do I get paid to be a Councillor?

As a Councillor you will not receive a salary or be reimbursed for the time incurred whilst on Council business. A small allowance is made to the Chair each year. Travel expenses for journeys out of the area may also be reimbursed.

How much support will I receive?

The Parish Clerk and staff are there to offer you support and advice on any issue.

Will I receive any training as a Councillor?

After your election you will be invited to 'New Member Induction' training. You will learn more about your role and the Council, and meet the officers who will support you.

The Council has a training budget to help Members carry out their responsibilities.

What is the current make-up of the Council?

Whilst there are currently two party groups the Parish Council strives to operate in a non-political way. It acts in the best interests of Madeley as a whole.

The current make-up is as follows:

• Labour 12
• Independents 4
• Conservatives 1
• Total 17
• There are no current vacancies.

If you want to know more about the Council you can attend one of our meetings or browse the website.

To find out more about becoming a Parish Councillor, please contact:

Katherine Petty
Clerk to the Council
Jubilee House
Madeley
Telford TF7 5AH
Telephone: 01952 567280
Email: parish@madeleyparishcouncil.gov.uk